Saigon versus Hanoi

Finally 3 months have passed and having spent 2 years in the capital I have noticed profound differences as its almost living in 2 different countries..so here is an excerpt..i got this from an expat run group of facebook

CAFES
Hanoi: Jam packed, with two couples sharing one table
Saigon: Chairs in rows like bus seats

NOODLES
Hanoi: Brought to you with the waitress’s thumb as a free extra
Saigon: A bowl of noodles comes on a plate

PHO
Hanoi: Seldom without MSG and bread
Saigon: Must include herbs, bean sprouts, and red (or black) chilli

STICKY RICE
Hanoi: Good and sticky, wrapped in banana leaves
Saigon: Terribly dry, sold in boxes or nylon bags

GOING FOR A BEER
Hanoi: Bia hoi (local draught beer) with peanuts, back home by 9pm
Saigon: Bottled beer with lots of ice, a hot pot, home after midnight

SNACKS
Hanoi: Not much choice, but tasty
Saigon: Good variety, cheap and acceptable but nothing special

SET LUNCH
Hanoi: Small pieces of sweet and sour stir-fried pork ribs
Saigon: Giant lumps of unskillfully grilled pork ribs

DRESS
Hanoi: Xe om drivers around Hoan Kiem lake wear suits
Saigon: People go to the best hotels wearing shorts and sandals

SHOE AND SOCKS
Hanoi: Men can wear shoes without socks
Saigon: Women can wear socks without shoes

TRAFFIC
Hanoi: You can cut across a car, but make sure to turn right only on a green light
Saigon: You can ignore red lights – but don’t stray into the car lane

WHEN THE LIGHT IS RED
Hanoi: You can’t turn right
Saigon: You can even turn left
PARKING AT SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS
Hanoi: Free
Saigon: “VND 2,000, please”

VEHICLES
Hanoi: Obsolete models rarely seen
Saigon: Like a museum, where ancient models are still going

SAVOIR FAIRE
Hanoi: You are shocked if someone says “thank you”
Saigon: It’s normal for a receptionist to bow when you walk in

TWO WOMEN CHOOSE THE SAME PRODUCT
Hanoi: “Let’s get one each”
Saigon: “If you take it, I’ll go for something else”

A MAN ASKS A WOMAN IF SHE LOVES HIM. SHE ANSWERS:
Hanoi: “What if I say no?”
Saigon: “Why not?”

YOU ARE RICH
Hanoi: If you have a lot of money
Saigon: If you spend a lot of money

MOBILE PHONE RINGS ON STREETS
Hanoi: Stop and chat in the middle of a busy intersection to let the whole world know how important you are
Saigon: Stop, get onto the pavement, and keep a look-out in all directions in case someone tries to steal your phone

RAIN
Hanoi: Similar to its females – smoldering and persistent
Saigon: Like its girls – attractive but soon over

BOOKSHOPS
Hanoi: The staff are rude and surly
Saigon: A comfortable place for a free read, especially for kids

PAGODAS
Hanoi: A quiet and uplifting place where you leave daily concerns behind
Saigon: Noisy and secular

LAKES
Hanoi: Immense and romantic
Saigon: No bigger than a pond

STUDENTS AND CALL GIRLS
Hanoi: Prostitutes pretend to be students
Saigon: Students dress like prostitutes